Size-adjustable internal pipe clamp apparatus

Abstract

Size-adjustable internal pipe clamp apparatus, for use in two different nominal sizes of pipes, wherein adjustments are provided for all pipe contacting elements so that only a single apparatus need be provided for clamping abutted pipe ends of two sizes of pipes together for welding instead of the two separate and distinct apparatuses hereinbefore required.

We claim: 
     
       1. Pipe line-up clamp apparatus, comprising a pair of outwardly facing circularly disposed axially spaced rings of clamp means adapted to be separately releasably clamped within abutted pipe ends to enable welding of the pipe ends together, idler wheel means supporting said apparatus for rolling movement through a pipe when said clamp means are in released conditions, drive wheel means adapted to engage the interior of a pipe and means for driving said drive wheel means, guide means supported at the forward end of said apparatus for guiding said apparatus in the end of a pipe, said clamp means comprising pipe wall engaging shoes disposed at the outer ends of radially reciprocably movable shafts, and including adapter fitting means disposed between said shafts and shoes which are reversible in position to alter the radially outward dispositions of said shoes to accommodate two different pipe diameters, said idler wheel means, and guide means and drive wheel means each being adjustably supported to fit pipes of said two different diameters whereby a single pipe line-up clamp apparatus may be employed for welding abutted ends of pipes of said two different diameters. 
     
     
       2. The combination of claim 1, including movable support means for said means for driving said drive wheel means having radially inward and radially outward positions to accommodate said driving means to said two different pipe diameters. 
     
     
       3. The combination of claim 1, said idler wheel means being supported by bracket means pivotally movable radially inward and outward, said guide means comprising plural circularly spaced outwardly curved bar means pivotally secured at their forward ends and being pivotally movable radially inward and outward at their rearward ends. 
     
     
       4. The combination of claim 3, including movable support means for said means for driving said drive wheel means having radially inward and radially outward positions to accommodate said driving means to said two different pipe diameters. 
     
     
       5. The combination of claim 4, said means for driving said drive wheel means comprising a fluid motor. 
     
     
       6. The combination of claim 5, including means supported by said apparatus for engaging and thereby locating the apparatus with respect to the end of a pipe within which the apparatus is disposed. 
     
     
       7. Internal pipe line up clamp apparatus for use in clamping pipe sections disposed end-to-end for welding, comprising a first circularly disposed plurality of clamp means for clamping within the end of one pipe section, a second circularly disposed plurality of clamp means for clamping within the adjacent end of another pipe section, carrier means for selectively supporting said clamp means concentrically within pipe sections of two different diameters, said carrier means comprising a frame structure having wheel means adjustably supported thereby, said wheel means including at least one locator wheel, each said locator wheel being rotatively supported by bracket means adjustable to engage said locator wheel with the inner walls of pipes of both of said two different diameters, said locator wheel being carried at one end of an arm fixedly yet pivotally adjustably connected to said bracket means, whereby said carrier means may support said clamp means concentrically within pipe sections of said two different diameters. 
     
     
       8. Internal pipe line up clamp apparatus for use in clamping pipe sections disposed end-to-end for welding, comprising a first circularly disposed plurality of clamp means for clamping within the end of one pipe section, a second circularly disposed plurality of clamp means for clamping within the adjacent end of another pipe section, carrier means for selectively supporting said clamp means concentrically within pipe sections of two different diameters, said carrier means comprising a frame structure having wheel means adjustably supported thereby, said wheel means including at least one locator wheel, each said locator wheel being rotatively supported by bracket means adjustable to engage said locator wheel with the inner walls of pipes of both of said two different diameters, said locator wheel being supported by axle means adjustably fixed in slot means of said bracket means whereby said wheel means may be adjusted as to its spacing from the axis of a pipe in which said apparatus is disposed for use, whereby said carrier means may support said clamp means concentrically within pipe sections of said two different diameters. 
     
     
       9. The combination of claim 8, including wedge means adjustably fixed to said bracket means in engagement with the radially inner side of said axle means to prevent unwanted radially inward movements of said axle means and locator wheel, whereby when said locator wheel is fixed in a position against the inner wall of a pipe in which said apparatus is disposed for use said locator wheel will be maintained in such position. 
     
     
       10. The combination of claim 9, wherein said two different diameters differ by approximately two inches. 
     
     
       11. The combination of claim 7, including guide elements carried at the forward end of said apparatus for guiding said apparatus into and through sections of pipe, said guide elements being adjustable to fit pipe sections of both of said two different diameters. 
     
     
       12. The combination of claim 8, including guide elements carried at the forward end of said apparatus for guiding said apparatus into and through sections of pipe, said guide elements being adjustable to fit pipe sections of both of said two different diameters.